“All the expertise Nikon has acquired over the past 100 years has been poured into this camera.”

‘These cameras’, to be precise. After months of anticipation, weeks of teases and days of ‘leaks’, Nikon has officially announced the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 full frame mirrorless cameras. The two units are Nikon’s first push into the world of full-frame mirrorless, in a move the company has effectively labeled as their step into the next 100 years – in many ways an admission that the days of the DSLR are over.

Both the Z 7 and Z 6 come in the same form factor, meaning they both share the same body and new Z-Mount, despite housing different capabilities, reminiscent of the Sony A7 line. They also share the same new EXPEED 6 processor; a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD; in-camera image stabilization (IBIS), familiar Nikon controls and button placement/progression; weather-sealing; 4K video; hybrid AF, and BSI CMOS sensors. However, unlike the A7 line, both Nikon Z cameras also get the same electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3.69 million dots and 0.8x magnification.

Where the units differ is really in resolution and autofocus, even though the AF area coverage on both sensors is approximately 90%. The flagship Nikon Z 7 uses a ‘new’ 45.7 megapixel BSI full-frame sensor reminiscent of the D850, and with 493 on-chip phase-detect autofocus points. The Nikon Z 6, on the other hand, has a 24.5 megapixel BSI full-frame CMOS sensor with 273 on-chip phase-detect autofocus points. The lower res Z 6 will do up to 12 frames per second, and the Z 7 up to 9. However, both cameras will run significantly slower with continuous exposure metering, in the 5.5 FPS range.

Beyond those more typical stats, however, there are two truly significant changes to normal Nikons: Nikon has outfitted both units with only a single XQD card slot for memory (which is a first for Nikon), and there’s a new mount. There is no word yet on whether the cameras will be able to transmit data via cable to computer unlike the D850.

Above all the rest, however, it is the Z-mount that is the spine of the Z 7 and Z 6. Having been criticized for decades for their mount, Nikon has gone in a very different direction with the Z-mount, with it’s large inner diameter of 55mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16mm. Nikon claims this new mount it has opened up a new word of lens possibilities, and Nikon has announce the first 3:

Nikon has also announced the FTZ adapter, which will allow use of most of the legacy Nikon F-mount lenses(about 100 million units in circulation) and with full AF/AE functionality with more than 90 F-mount lenses. But it is also clear that F-mount is Nikon’s past, and they have announced a lens road map which shows the future really is in their mirrorless line, and even includes Z-lenses which will be up to 0.95.

We will be bringing you more about the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 in the coming days and will be hands on with them tomorrow, but you can pre-order yours below.

The Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3396.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit.

The new Nikon Z mount system is comprised of mirrorless cameras and compatible NIKKOR Z lenses and accessories. This system has been realized through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance. It has inherited Nikon’s tradition of quality, superior imaging technology, intuitive operability and high reliability, all innovated from its digital SLR cameras.

At the heart of the Z mount system is the new, larger-diameter mount, which unlocks further possibilities of lens design. The Z mount system will offer a variety of high-performance lenses, including the fastest lens in Nikon history, with f/0.951. Additionally, the new mount adapter will enable compatibility with NIKKOR F mount lenses, adding to the range of choices for photographers.

The letter “Z” represents the culmination of Nikon’s relentless pursuit of ultimate optical performance, and a bridge to a new chapter. It is about redefining possibilities to provide image makers with tools to pursue greater creativity.

Nikon will expand the value of mirrorless cameras through the pursuit of a new dimension in optical performance, and by upholding Nikon’s tradition of quality while responding to the evolution of imaging technology. By providing image makers with stimulating new products, Nikon will continue to lead imaging culture.

Z 7, Z 6 Product Overview

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with built- in focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6.

The high-resolution Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports a standard sensitivity range of ISO 64–25600. In combination with NIKKOR Z lenses, the camera achieves an outstanding level of sharpness and detail, all the way to the edges of the image.

The versatile Z 6 is an all-purpose FX-format camera with 24.5 effective megapixels, and supports the wide sensitivity range of ISO 100–51200. With superior performance at high ISO sensitivities and full- frame 4K UHD video capture with full pixel readout, the Z 6 responds to a variety of needs, such as shooting in dimly lit environments and high-quality movie recording.

These two models combine legendary Nikon reliability and a familiar interface with the benefits of a mirrorless, including rapid FPS, hybrid AF, silent shooting and advanced multimedia capabilities.

Primary Features of the Z 7 and Z 6
1. Equipped with a new backside illumination Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase- detection AF pixels
The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with a new backside illumination, Nikon FX-format CMOS sensor with focal-plane phase-detection AF pixels, and the latest image-processing engine, EXPEED 6. The Z 7 has 45.7 effective megapixels, and supports ISO 64–25600 range of standard sensitivities (reduction to the equivalent of ISO 32 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 102400 is also possible). The Z 6 has an effective pixel count of 24.5 megapixels, and supports a broad range of standard sensitivities, from ISO 100–51200 (additional reduction to the equivalent of ISO 50 and expansion to the equivalent of ISO 204800).

2. A fast and accurate hybrid AF system with focus points covering approximately 90% of the imaging area
The Z 7 has 493 focus points2 and the Z 6 has 273 focus points2, enabling broad coverage of approximately 90% of the imaging area both horizontally and vertically. This hybrid AF system uses an algorithm optimized for the FX-format sensor, to automatically switches between focal-plane phase- detection AF and contrast-detect AF when focusing to achieve focus. Newly-designed NIKKOR Z lenses take full advantage of this system, providing faster, quieter and with increased AF accuracy than previously possible for both still images and videos.

3. The new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine for sharp and clear imaging, and new functions that support creativity

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with the new EXPEED 6 image-processing engine. Employing the superior resolving power of NIKKOR Z and NIKKOR F mount lenses, subjects are rendered more sharply than ever before. Noise is also effectively reduced.

Additionally, a mid-range sharpening option has been added to Picture Control sharpness parameters. This option, along with existing sharpening and clarity parameters, allows users to make various textures within the screen sharper or softer, for both still images and video3. The cameras also offer 20 options of Creative Picture Control, supporting creative imaging expression. The effect level is adjustable from 0 to 100.

4. An electronic viewfinder that utilizes Nikon’s superior optical and image-processing technologies to offer a clear and natural view
The electronic viewfinder adopted for the Z 7 and Z 6 is comfortable and easy to use, comparable to optical viewfinders. Both cameras are equipped with an electronic viewfinder for which an approximately 3690k-dot OLED panel has been adopted. The electronic viewfinder has frame coverage and magnification of approximately 100% and 0.8×, respectively, as well as an approximately 37.0° diagonal viewing angle. It draws on Nikon’s superior optical technologies and image-processing technologies, ensuring a clear and comfortable view, with reduced aberration and minimum eyestrain, even during extended shoots. Furthermore, a fluorine coat that effectively repels dirt has been applied to the eyepiece protection window. In addition, the <i> menu can be displayed in the electronic viewfinder, allowing users to quickly view and adjust a variety of shooting settings, including ISO sensitivity, AF-area mode, and Picture Control, all while looking through the viewfinder.

5. An ergonomic design unique to Nikon that enables intuitive and familiar operation

The Z 7 and Z 6 have inherited the superior operability that Nikon has cultivated over the years through its development of cameras. The bodies are compact, while boasting a firm grip that is easy to hold, and the sub-selector and buttons such as AF-ON, ISO, and exposure compensation are all placed so that they can be operated swiftly and easily. Additionally, a display panel has been placed on the top plate of the camera, where information about settings can be displayed, similar to high-end digital SLR camera models.

6. Video functions such as 10-bit N-Log that enables wide dynamic range, and timecoding that respond to professional needs
The Z 7 and Z 6 support recording of not only full-frame 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)/30p movies using the FX- based video format, but also Full-HD/120p movies. Sharper 4K UHD movies are made possible, using the full-pixel readout4. Additionally, Active D-Lighting, electronic vibration reduction, and focus peaking can be used with 4K UHD and Full-HD movie recording. Nikon’s original N-Log color profile can also be used with 10-bit5 HDMI output. The N-Log setting utilizes extensive color depth and twelve-stop, 1,300% dynamic range to record a wealth of tone information from highlights and shadows for more effective color grading. Timecode support makes synchronizing video and sound from multiple devices easier. Additionally, the control ring built into NIKKOR Z lenses can be used to quietly and smoothly adjust settings such as aperture and exposure compensation.

The Z 7 and Z 6 are equipped with in-camera vibration reduction (VR). The VR unit provides compensation for movement along five axes. The effects of vibration reduction are equivalent to a shutter speed up to approximately 5.0 stops6. This function can also be used effectively with NIKKOR F lenses, including those not equipped with a VR function, with the Mount Adapter FTZ (sold separately)8.

8. Other features

Same level of strength and durability, as well as dust- and drip- resistance, as the Nikon D850, offered in a compact body

A 3.2-in., approximately 2100k-dot touch-sensitive LCD monitor, with a tilting mechanism

Built-in Wi-Fi® for direct connection to a smart device using SnapBridge

Built-in Wi-Fi® makes the transfer of images and movies to a computer possible

Support for existing digital SLR camera accessories such as the EN-EL15/a/b batteries, WT-7/A/B/CWireless Transmitter (available separately) for transferring images and movies at high speed over a wired or wireless LAN, and radio-controlled/optical controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, which makes flexible multi-flash photography possibleDevelopment of the MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery PackThe MB-N10 Multi-Power Battery Pack that is currently in development will hold two EN-EL15b, effectively increasing the number of shots possible and/or movie recording time by approximately 1.8×. It will provide the same level of dust and drip resistance as the Z 7 and Z 6, and will support USB charging using the EH-7P Charging AC Adapter. Information regarding the release of this product will be announced at a later date.Price and AvailabilityThe Nikon Z 7 will be available September 27 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $3399.95* for the body-only configuration, or for $3999.95* SRP as a kit with the new NIKKOR Z 24-70 f/4 S lens. The Nikon Z 6 will be available in late November for the $1995.95* SRP for the body only configuration, or for the $2,599.95* SRP with the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens kit. For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

A photographer and writer based in Miami, he can often be found at dog parks, and airports in London and Toronto. He is also a tremendous fan of flossing and the happiest guy around when the company’s good.

Q&A Discussions

It’s cool to see Nikon jump into the mirrorless camera category! I shot Nikon for events and really like their cameras. I wouldn’t buy either one of these though, the price point is too high in my opinion. I could get a Sony A7iii or Panasonic GH5 for that price. With all the time they waited, you think they’d see all the short comings all come out with a knock out camera. The single card slot is a fail, the fixed rear screen is a fail, the new lens mount system is a fail, the 4k video 30fps is a fail. Honestly the Nikon Z6 is an over priced Canon M50, with a full frame sensor. Maybe the next generation will be better, I don’t think their going to have the sells that their anticipating.

In the world of Sony mirrorless, this feels not only late, but also a punch lacking any significant power. I was truly looking forward to this release, then feeling quite let down at the prospects. Someone considering mirrorless still has no great reason to leave Sony IMO.

Looking at the Nikon Z lens roadmap – Why not introduce something totally different and sway the folks already invested in F mount glass? Instead they introduce an overpriced 35 and 50 1.8 and project new lenses we already own.

Can you imagine the stir Nikon would have made in the wedding photography community if they would have introduced a camera with 2 card slots along with a 35-85 f2?!? I can deal with not having eye AF for now, it will come. I just wasn’t expecting these other blatant “Canon like” shortcoming. People are saying to be patient because it’s their first mirrorless. Hogwash!

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